Author Talk From Sea to Service: A Vietnamese Refugee's Incredible Journey to Honor His Promise by Michael H. Graner
Tuesday, May 19, 2026 (6:30 PM - 8:00 PM) (EDT)
Description

From Sea To Service is the story of Marc Nguyen's remarkable escape from Vietnam, his incredible journey to the United States and his commitment to a life of service to others. The book documents his harrowing efforts to leave the chaos of the Vietnam War and his early experiences as a vulnerable refugee child. Marc escaped the terrors of the war in April 1975 and eventually found his way to Boston where he was taken in by a Catholic family. Thanks to his unshakeable faith and inspiring grit, he graduated from the US Coast Guard Academy and went on to a distinguished career of service to the nation and to humanity. The memoir also includes the amazing story of his wife, Hong, a fellow Boat Person who was able to escape with her family several years after the Communist takeover of the country.
The story was narrated to Coast Guard Captain Michael Graner, a former instructor at the United States Coast Guard Academy, who befriended Cadet Marc Nguyen, the young Vietnamese Boat Person; "Mr. G" became a lifelong mentor and family friend to the couple. The United States Coast Guard plays a prominent role in this story; it was the service that intertwined their lives. The book details the inspiring story of perseverance and gratitude for the many blessings Marc and Hong received and their commitment to pay it forward.
Copies of the book will be available for purchase
52 Newtown Road
Groton, CT 06340 United States
